Waste Reduction and
Diversion at McMaster
Presented by:
Catherine Lau
Sustainability Intern ,Winter 2012
Outline
Introduction to new sustainability initiative
2. Major concerns of proper recycling and waste disposal at
McMaster University
3. Basic overview of materials that can be recycled and
composted
4. Recap
1.
Bin Installation (CNH and TSH)
Major Concern: Contamination
Separating Recyclables
 Hamilton has a double stream system for recycling
VS
Paper
Plastics/Glass
Recycling– Common Mistakes
What cannot be recycled:
 Coffee cups
 Bottle caps
 Bottles and cans with liquid in them
 Wet or dirty paper or cardboard
 Pizza Boxes
Recycling- Paper
 What can be recycled:
 File folders
 Envelopes
 Paper with staples, papers clips or spiral wire
binding
 Flyers and magazines
 Phone books, text books and courseware
Recycling – Plastic & Glass
What can be recycled:
 Beverage and food cans
 Glass jars and bottles
Milk cartons
Clean take-out containers
#6 plastics, e.g.,
styrofoam
PS plastics, e.g., coffee
cup lids
Compost
McMaster University Student
Centre (NEW Jan 12, 2012)
Public compost bin located across
from Union Market in MUSC.
Kitchens that compost:
•Mary E. Keyes
•Bridges Café
•Twelve Eighty
•Union Market
•La Piazza.
•Phoenix
•Communications Research
Laboratory
Compost
List of Acceptable Items:
 Fruits and vegetables
 Meat, including bones
 Dairy
 Soup and sauce
 Bread products
 Coffee grounds and filters
 Waxed paper
 Cooking Fat
 Paper plates
 Napkins
 Paper towel
 Milk cartons
 Paper coffee cups
 Wooden Skewers
Steps to Success
GOAL: Divert waste and promote recycling
 Install new waste and recycling bins in CNH and TSH
 Promote use of new bins through online presentations, posters and workshops
 Compare the amount of waste and recycling over the course of a month to data
in previous months
 Publish results in final report available on the McMaster Sustainability website
(www.mcmaster.ca/sustainability)
Thank you for listening!
Questions/Concerns?
Contact: Catherine Lau (Sustainability Intern) at
laucm@mcmaster.ca or Kate Whalen (Sustainability Manager) at
whalenk@mcmaster.ca